Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the achievements and sharing the inspiring stories of our Hispanic students. This week, we are excited to feature Anaya Roman, a second-year student in EASTERN’s Cosmetology program and a senior at Upper Dublin High School.

When Anaya thinks about National Hispanic Heritage Month, she thinks about the family members who left their home in Puerto Rico in search of new opportunities and a better life. She reflects on the courage it takes to leave what is familiar and embrace new possibilities. “Puerto Rico is a small and beautiful island, but I understand the need to expand your horizons and do something different,” said Anaya.

Anaya still has many family members living in Puerto Rico, such as great grandparents and cousins, and she visited them last April. She takes great pride in her Hispanic heritage, especially the Spanish language and the food that connects her to her culture. She also enjoys learning about and appreciating other cultures.

Anaya’s mother was born in Puerto Rico, while her father, who is also of Puerto Rican heritage, was born in Philadelphia. Anaya’s interest in cosmetology was inspired by her mother, who does nails. From an early age, Anaya has enjoyed doing hair and nails for others. She began doing nails herself in eighth grade and now shares her work on Instagram.

Anaya draws a great deal of inspiration from her dad as well “He works so hard and has accomplished so much,” said Anaya. “He was a police officer, then changed careers and became a principal at a school in New Jersey. A few months ago, he completed his doctoral program in education.”

Anaya participates in several activities at Upper Dublin High School, including the Black Student Union, track, and cheerleading. After graduating from EASTERN and Upper Dublin, she plans to obtain her cosmetology license and enlist in the Air Force, where she hopes to explore careers in the medical field. She is not giving up on her passion for cosmetology; instead, she is expanding her horizons and exploring additional career options.

Anaya’s advice to students thinking about a program at EASTERN - “Explore all your options, learn as much as you can about them, and give something new a try. You never know where it might take you or what you might end up loving.”